THE Municipal Government of Cauayan is eyeing an up to P100 million worth of rehabilitation of the town's water system, which is a top priority project of reelected Mayor John Rey Tabujara.

"There is already salt intrusion in our water system (and) it is not anymore potable and safe for people to use and drink," Tabujara said, adding that they will already start with the feasibility study for the project.

The local government is planning to avail a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to finance the water system rehabilitation project.

Tabujara has discussed the plan with the members of the Municipal Council, while the DBP's management also expressed its willingness to approve the loan.

"Currently, the water system serves about 500 households with water that is not even potable and if the water system is rehabilitated the number of households that it can serve will be more than double," the mayor said.

Salt intrusion into the town's water system has affected areas in Barangays Poblacion, Tiling and Isio because this is where the source is, the mayor also said.

Meanwhile, Tabujara said that deep wells used as water sources in some areas in Cauayan are not safe anymore either because of coliform presence.

In fact, he said, at least 20 wells might have coliform presence.